Demise of golf

I write in sorrow and dread after reading Bob Shields’ recent, pertinent and depressing article about the threats to golf in Ayrshire as SAC has, whilst reducing the number of tee times, also substantially increased the cost of playing.

To make matters even worse I understand there have been threats to close the Dalmilling course.

With a possible interest in standing for the Council in the next elections, I have been asking local walkers about their main concerns.

Far ahead of the state of the roads,I frequently hear about concerns for local youngsters: their indiscipline and the lack of apprenticeships and jobs,surely connected.

The decline of golf in the country would surely only exacerbate the situation,bad enough as it is;I frequently see of a warm summer’s evening swarms of youngsters,high on either drink and/or drugs on their way to Prestwick golf course, where they have in the past set fire to the gorse and damaged the expensive watering system necessary to keep the course in a condition so that tourists will visit our towns ,providing employment to their inhabitants.

It is easy to be critical, but let’s be positive and think of possible solutions.Here is one idea.

A greenkeeper’s academy is started at which school leavers can learn a trade; as a Scottish Vocational Qu ali fi c at ion(SVQ ), they would be employed by a golf club,gaining practical skills on the course during the working day; the underpinning knowledge and understanding would be delivered by GOSTA on a day release basis.On completion of training the individual would receive an SVQ Level 2 certificate along with a Modern Apprentice Certificate from Lantra,the sector skills council; this should enable the recipient to obtain sustainable employment in Ayrshire – assuming golf is still being played in the county,or further afield, both in the UK and abroad- equally important it should provide the recipients with a meaning to life.

I appreciate there will be a cost,and SAC,like other organisations and most people, feel considerable financial pressure in the current situation;I understand there are organisations such as Skills Development Scotland, that will assist and surely some other organisations that will help such a worthwhile cause.

Good ideas tend to create new opportunities; perhaps the first crop of apprentices at Dalmilling might be able to build and even help to operate a driving range at the Dalmilling course where free golf lessons could be given to schoolchildren and apprentices, which would help to encourage the pursuit and future of a wonderful and worthwhile pastime .

As the younger generation are our future, surely it is worth spending time with SAC to try to organise something which will provide a way forward and hope for the future.

So,why does the Ayrshire Post not lead the way and start a campaign? I will certainly contribute and if any Post reader has any idea, please contact me;I will try to collect a number and liaise with everyone.

Let’s ensure golf thrives rather than dies in the county responsible for creating the Open, and in which two clubs are still in the Open rota.

Iain Tulloch Prestwick